Best Arts And Crafts Supplies For Children

Unlocking a child’s creativity is a wonderful journey, and having the right tools makes all the difference. Arts and crafts offer so much more than just fun; they help develop fine motor skills, encourage self-expression, and boost problem-solving abilities. Finding the best arts and crafts supplies for children can sometimes feel overwhelming with countless options available.

This curated list is designed to help you navigate the vibrant world of children’s art materials. We’ve gathered a selection of top products that cater to various ages, interests, and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for basic essentials or unique kits, there’s something here for every young artist.

From budget-friendly staples to more elaborate sets, our choices highlight quality, safety, and engaging features. We aim to present a range of options, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your child’s creative adventures. Discover the best tools to inspire imagination and bring colorful ideas to life.

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1. Crayola Ultimate Crayon Collection

This expansive crayon set is a classic for a reason, offering an incredible spectrum of colors. It comes with 152 different shades, providing endless possibilities for young artists to explore. Children can easily find the exact hue they imagine.

It’s perfect for preschoolers and elementary school children who love to color and draw. The sturdy storage caddy keeps everything organized, making cleanup a breeze for parents. This set is a fantastic mid-range option for any budding artist.

The sheer variety of colors is its standout feature, allowing for rich detail and vibrant artwork. It’s truly one of the best arts and crafts supplies for children when it comes to foundational coloring tools.

2. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Art Easel

Encourage grand artistic endeavors with this versatile wooden easel. It features both a chalkboard and a dry-erase board, offering two distinct surfaces for creative play. A paper roll holder is also included for painting and drawing.

This easel is ideal for active toddlers and young school-aged children who enjoy standing while they create. It promotes large-scale drawing and painting, fostering gross motor skills alongside artistic expression.

It’s a premium choice that grows with your child, providing years of imaginative fun. The adjustable height ensures comfort for different ages. This top-quality easel is a fantastic investment for any aspiring artist.

3. Faber-Castell Young Artist Learn to Draw Kit

If your child shows an interest in drawing and wants to learn techniques, this kit is an excellent starting point. It includes high-quality pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and a comprehensive instruction guide. The guide breaks down drawing into simple, achievable steps.

This set is perfect for children aged 7 and up who are ready to develop their drawing skills. It moves beyond simple coloring, introducing them to shading, perspective, and form. It’s a fantastic mid-range option for skill building.

The detailed, easy-to-follow instructions are its best feature, empowering kids to create impressive artwork. It’s a great way to introduce them to more advanced artistic concepts.

4. Scented Twistable Crayons by Crayola

Add an extra sensory dimension to coloring with these delightful scented crayons. They twist up, meaning no sharpening is ever needed, and they come in a variety of fun, kid-friendly scents like cherry, orange, and blueberry.

These are perfect for younger children who might struggle with sharpening, or anyone who enjoys a multi-sensory art experience. The twistable design also makes them more durable, reducing breakage.

This is a budget-friendly option that brings a novel twist to traditional coloring. The unique scents make coloring even more engaging and memorable. They are a top choice for adding fun to art time.

5. Play-Doh Super Color Pack

Play-Doh is a timeless classic for sensory play and sculpting. This pack offers a generous assortment of vibrant colors, providing ample material for imaginative creations. It’s soft, pliable, and easy for small hands to manipulate.

It’s ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, helping them develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creative thinking. Children can squish, roll, and shape to their heart’s content.

This is a very budget-friendly option that provides hours of open-ended play. The non-toxic formula offers peace of mind for parents. It remains one of the best arts and crafts supplies for children due to its versatility.

6. Acrylic Paint Set for Kids by Arteza

For children ready to explore painting beyond watercolors, this acrylic paint set is an excellent choice. It features a range of bold, opaque colors that dry quickly and offer good coverage. The paints are non-toxic and easy to clean up with water.

This set is suitable for elementary school-aged children and pre-teens who are experimenting with different art mediums. It’s great for painting on canvas, wood, or paper.

It offers a mid-range price point for quality paints that deliver vibrant results. The quick-drying nature is a significant benefit, reducing smudging and wait times. It’s a top pick for introducing more serious painting.

7. Elmer’s Slime Starter Kit

Slime making has become a hugely popular craft activity, and this kit provides everything needed to get started. It includes various glues and activators, along with fun mix-ins like glitter and colorants.

This kit is perfect for school-aged children and pre-teens who enjoy hands-on, scientific-style crafting. It teaches basic chemistry principles in a fun, tactile way while creating a customizable toy.

It’s a mid-range option that provides a complete slime-making experience. The clear instructions make it easy to follow, ensuring successful slime every time. This is a best-seller for interactive craft projects.

8. Kids’ Craft Supply Library by Creativity for Kids

This “craft library” is a treasure trove of assorted craft materials, offering incredible variety in one box. It includes pipe cleaners, pom-poms, googly eyes, feathers, glitter glue, and much more. It’s designed to inspire spontaneous creativity.

It’s excellent for a wide age range, from preschoolers to elementary school children. This kit is perfect for open-ended crafting sessions where children can let their imaginations run wild with different textures and colors.

This is a mid-range option that delivers fantastic value through sheer volume and diversity of supplies. The inspiration guide helps kickstart ideas, making it a top choice for rainy day activities.

9. Watercolor Paint Set with Brushes by Faber-Castell

Introduce your child to the beautiful world of watercolors with this high-quality set. It includes vibrant watercolor cakes and a good selection of brushes, allowing for smooth color blending and washes.

This set is ideal for elementary school children and older who are learning about color mixing and brush techniques. Watercolors are forgiving and offer a gentle introduction to painting.

It’s a mid-range product offering excellent pigment quality for its price. The included brushes are well-suited for young hands, making it a great choice for developing painting skills. It’s among the best options for traditional painting.

10. Kinetic Sand Sandbox and Molds

Kinetic Sand provides a unique sensory experience that is both mesmerizing and mess-free. This set comes with a sandbox tray and various molds, allowing children to build and sculpt without the stickiness of traditional sand.

It’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who love tactile play but whose parents appreciate easy cleanup. The sand sticks to itself, not to hands or surfaces, making it a favorite for indoor play.

This is a mid-range sensory toy that offers endless creative possibilities. The special texture of Kinetic Sand makes it incredibly engaging. It’s a top pick for calming, imaginative play.

11. Washable Markers for Kids by Crayola Ultra-Clean

These markers are a parent’s dream, known for their exceptional washability from skin, clothing, and even painted walls. They come in a variety of bright colors and have durable tips for consistent lines.

They are ideal for children of all ages, especially younger ones who are still developing control and might make accidental marks outside the paper. They encourage bold coloring and drawing.

This is a budget-friendly essential for any art supply collection. The “Ultra-Clean” feature is its best selling point, providing peace of mind during creative sessions. These are among the best arts and crafts supplies for children for everyday use.

12. Model Magic Modeling Compound by Crayola

Crayola Model Magic is a unique, lightweight, and air-dry modeling compound. It’s soft, pliable, and less messy than traditional clay. It can be painted, drawn on, or simply left to air dry into a solid, bouncy creation.

It’s fantastic for children aged 3 and up who enjoy sculpting and creating three-dimensional objects. It helps develop fine motor skills and spatial reasoning without the need for an oven.

This is a mid-range option that offers versatility for various craft projects. The ability to air dry means creations can be kept and displayed. It’s a top product for tactile, imaginative construction.

13. Glitter Glue Sticks by Elmer’s

Add sparkle and shine to any project with these easy-to-use glitter glue sticks. They offer the convenience of a glue stick combined with a vibrant burst of glitter, all in one mess-reducing tool.

These are perfect for children who love embellishing their artwork with a bit of glam, but whose parents want to avoid loose glitter. They are great for card making, collages, and decorative touches.

This is a very budget-friendly item that adds instant fun and flair. The controlled application minimizes mess compared to traditional glitter. It’s a best-seller for adding decorative sparkle.

14. Construction Paper Assortment by Pacon

Every art station needs a good supply of construction paper. This pack offers a generous quantity of brightly colored, durable paper suitable for drawing, cutting, folding, and gluing.

It’s an essential for children of all ages, from toddlers making simple tears to older kids creating complex paper crafts. It provides a foundational canvas for countless creative activities.

This is a budget-friendly staple that is versatile and indispensable. The varied colors inspire creativity for different projects. It remains one of the best arts and crafts supplies for children for its fundamental utility.

15. Art Supplies for Kids: Drawing, Coloring & Painting Set by Darice

For a truly comprehensive starter kit, this all-in-one art set is hard to beat. It often includes crayons, colored pencils, markers, oil pastels, watercolor cakes, and various tools, all neatly organized in a portable case.

This set is ideal for children who are exploring multiple art mediums and need a wide array of options. It’s also great for travel or keeping all supplies consolidated.

It’s a mid-range option that provides incredible value as a complete artistic toolbox. The organized case encourages tidiness and easy access to different supplies. This top set makes a great gift for any young artist.

16. Safety Scissors for Kids by Fiskars

Good quality, child-safe scissors are a must-have for cutting and collage projects. These scissors are designed with blunt tips and smaller handles, making them comfortable and safe for little hands.

They are perfect for preschoolers and elementary school children learning to cut. The spring-action models are especially good for beginners, helping them master the cutting motion.

This is a budget-friendly but essential tool for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Fiskars is known for its quality, ensuring a smooth cutting experience. They are a best choice for safe crafting.

17. Dot Markers by Do A Dot Art!

Dot markers are a fantastic, mess-free alternative to traditional painting for young children. They have sponge tips that stamp perfect dots of color onto paper, requiring minimal dexterity.

They are ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, helping them develop hand-eye coordination and color recognition without the spills of liquid paint. They are also great for filling in large areas quickly.

This is a mid-range option that offers a unique and engaging way to introduce painting. The vibrant, washable ink makes them a favorite for both kids and parents. They are a top pick for early art exploration.

18. Sticker Activity Books by Melissa & Doug

While not traditional supplies, sticker activity books are wonderful for creative play, storytelling, and fine motor development. They often come with themed scenes and reusable stickers.

These books are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, providing hours of quiet, imaginative play. They encourage narrative thinking and the development of dexterity.

This is a budget-friendly option that offers great entertainment value and portability. The reusable stickers mean endless scene changes and creative storytelling. They are a best choice for on-the-go fun.

19. Clay Tool Set by Sculpey

For children serious about sculpting with polymer clay or air-dry clay, a dedicated tool set can elevate their creations. These sets typically include various shaping tools, cutters, and rollers.

They are ideal for elementary school children and pre-teens who enjoy detailed modeling and want to refine their sculpting techniques. These tools allow for intricate designs and textures.

This is a budget-friendly addition for any child interested in more advanced clay work. The ergonomic designs make them easy for small hands to grip. They are a top choice for aspiring sculptors.

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Last Words

Embarking on artistic adventures with your children is a rewarding experience, and having the right supplies can truly ignite their passion. This collection of the best arts and crafts supplies for children offers a wide array of options, ensuring there’s something to spark creativity in every young mind.

Whether your child is drawn to the vibrant strokes of a paintbrush, the tactile sensation of modeling clay, or the precision of drawing, these products provide excellent starting points. Remember to consider your child’s age, interests, and skill level when making your selection.

You truly can’t go wrong with any of the options presented here; each one is chosen for its quality, engaging features, and ability to inspire. We encourage you to explore these fantastic products and see which ones resonate most with your little artist. Check current prices and availability on Amazon to find the perfect addition to their creative toolkit.